Meet the Staff

Novella Beskid

About Me: Married 21 years to Jim Beskid, also a Wofford alumni. Together we are proud parents to Austin (freshman at USC) and Caroline (9th grader at A.C. Flora) and love supporting them in their activities and passions.

Favorite Spot On Campus: The Horseshoe

Length of Time at USC: 30 years. Began in January 1984 as a graduate student and have been here ever since!

Favorite Gamecock Moment/Best Part about being a Gamecock:
Best memory is Pope John Paul II’s visit to USC in September 1987 as a part of USC’s ecumenical year - being a part of the staff support for the event and attending the program on the Horseshoe and the mass at Williams Brice Stadium was an unforgettable experience. Best part of daily life as a Gamecock is helping students crystalize their dreams and start on the path to achieving them which is an honor and a privilege.

Jan Phillips Smoak

Associate Directorjansmoak(at)sc.edu

Education/Major(s):
Registered Yoga Teacher (RYT-200), Carolina Yoga Teacher Training
M. Ed. in Student Personnel Services, University of South Carolina
BA in Journalism, University of South Carolina

About Me: A born and bred Gamecock, I love to communicate, especially in writing and more recently, using social media such as Facebook and Twitter. I am a very off and on blogger. As an undergraduate at USC, I was very involved in campus life – Greek life, The Gamecock, and what is now called Garnet Circle (Student Alumni Association). I have only traveled abroad twice – to Cozumel, Mexico, and to France & Italy, but the latter trip gave me great insight into why our scholars enjoy international travel. I have several roles: University administrator, yoga teacher, mom, and wife to a UMC pastor to name a few. I enjoy coffee, chocolate, being outdoors, Food Network, and talking with students.

Favorite Spot On Campus: It’s a tie between the Russell House and the Horseshoe. I have fond memories of eating in the cafeteria as an undergraduate student here, but now with an office on the Horseshoe, it’s my favorite place to catch up with students.

Length of Time at USC: 16 years! Because of the students’ intelligence and diversity, I never tire of my University work.

Favorite Gamecock Moment/Best Part about being a Gamecock: ESPN’s Gameday on the Horseshoe is a highlight of being a Gamecock.

Jennifer Bess (Jen)

Fellowships Coordinator
bessj(at)mailbox.sc.edu

Education/Major(s): BA in Religion from Dartmouth College; MA in Theological Studies from the University of Dayton

About Me: I’m originally from Chicago, where I grew up with two younger brothers. I’ve been an academic advisor, a campus minister, and a high school teacher. My house is full of yarn, fabric and felt, as I love to craft. When I’m not at home, I like to be off traveling the world. My best trip ever was a 500-mile walk across Spain in 2011, on the pilgrimage to Santiago de Compostela. Feel free to ask to see pictures!

Favorite Spot On Campus: It’s really hard to beat the Horseshoe

Length of Time at USC: 2.5 years

Favorite Gamecock Moment/Best Part about being a Gamecock: As a life-long Cubs fan, it’s a nice change to cheer on a winning baseball team!

Katie Granger

Scholar Programs Coordinator/SCHC Advisor
grangerk(at)mailbox.sc.edu

Education/Major(s): BA in Sociology, USC; Ed.S. in Counselor Education with a focus in Marriage, Family, and Couples Counseling, USC

About Me: Though I wasn't born and raised here, I consider Columbia to be home. I've worn several hats at USC including undergraduate, Magellan Scholar, Magellan Ambassador, graduate student, graduate assistant in the Office of Undergraduate Research, temp, and now I'm back in Legare! This past year I had the opportunity to teach undergraduate psychology classes at another institution in Columbia and it solidified my passion for working in higher education. I am so excited to have the opportunity to advise the newest generations of Gamecocks!

Favorite Spot On Campus: This is a tough question since so many plances on campus hold a spot in my heart, but I'd be crazy not to mention the Horseshoe.

Length of Time at USC: 7 years. I started here as an undergraduate in 2007 and just can't seem to bring myself to leave!

Favorite Gamecock Moment/Best Part about being a Gamecock: The best part about being a Gamecock is that there is something for everyone. Whether your passion is research, athletics, theater, community service, traveling, or even skydiving, you will be able to find somewhere to thrive. As for my favorite Gamecock moment, there really are too many to count!

Ali Cook

Administrative Coordinator/Webmaster
acook(at)mailbox.sc.edu

Education/Major(s): BA in Interdisciplinary Studies (emphasis on Sports Administration and Business Information Systems) from the University of South Carolina

About Me: I'm married to Dale (for 10 years!) and Mom to two awesome little boys – Nate (6) and Owen (2). I’m a third generation gamecock and have a brick on the horseshoe beside my sister, grandfather, and great grandfather. While at USC I was a Carolina Classic – a group that assisted with recruiting football players and other sports athletes.

Favorite Spot On Campus: It’s a toss-up between the Horseshoe and Williams Brice Stadium

Length of Time at USC: 16 years

Favorite Gamecock Moment/Best Part about being a Gamecock: I’ve watched USC Football go all the way from winning their first postseason game as a student to beating a nationally ranked team (#1 Alabama at the time) to seeing USC host ESPN’s Gameday on the Horseshoe twice in the last few years!

Elizabeth Leverette

Administrative Assistant
levereec(at)mailbox.sc.edu

Education/Major(s): I graduated from Western Kentucky University with a Health Science degree and a Social Work minor.

About Me: Although I have lived in 4 different states growing up, South Carolina has my heart and I am glad to be back! I am a Gamecock by marriage. I've been married to Marlowe since June 2012. While dating, I became very familiar with the South Carolina Honors College and our miniature schnauzer is named Harper, after Harper College. When I'm not chasing Harper, I enjoy cooking, painting, and fixing up my house.

Favorite Spot On Campus: It's cliche', but it's famous for a reason, I love the Horseshoe!

Length of Time at USC: I am new to USC

Favorite Gamecock Moment/Best Part about being a Gamecock:The best part of being a Gamecock is getting to hang out with people like Jim Burnes.